Promoting rural tourism, preserving heritage, and empowering local communities
Chitrakoot is one of the most culturally and spiritually significant destinations in India. It is believed that Lord Rama spent a significant part of his exile here. Surrounded by scenic hills, sacred rivers, ancient temples, and peaceful forests, Chitrakoot attracts pilgrims and travelers seeking spirituality, history, and natural beauty.
To develop Chitrakoot as a sustainable rural tourism hub by promoting local culture, creating livelihood opportunities, and offering authentic village experiences.
Under the leadership of Dehati Gramothan Vikas Samiti (DGVS), a dedicated initiative for Rural Tourism Development and overall Rural Development is actively driving sustainable growth across select villages in the Chitrakoot region. Each project village plays a unique role in combining community upliftment, heritage preservation, and eco-friendly travel experiences.
Char is a serene village in Chitrakoot focused on creating eco-conscious travel experiences through structured Environmental Awareness drives. By engaging local residents in clean-energy practices, waste management, and nature preservation, Char offers visitors an authentic view of sustainable living. Tourists visiting Char can experience traditional agrarian routines while supporting grassroots conservation efforts led by the local community.
Kalyanpur serves as a key hub for gender equality and economic self-reliance. Through the establishment of local Self Help Groups (SHGs), the village actively advances Women Empowerment by providing vocational training in handicraft creation, traditional food processing, and hospitality management. Visitors to Kalyanpur can directly purchase handcrafted artisan products and experience warmth, culture, and hospitality driven by local women entrepreneurs.
In Mangawa, sustainable tourism is built on the foundation of strong Community Development and improved quality of life. The village focuses on vital Healthcare Initiatives, ensuring accessible primary medical support and hygiene awareness for both residents and visiting tourists. This holistic focus creates a healthy, welcoming environment where travelers can interact with a resilient and thriving rural community.
As a historically and culturally prominent site in Chitrakoot, Mau focuses heavily on youth upliftment and quality Education. Educational programs and skill-building centers prepare local youth to work as certified tour guides, cultural storytellers, and hospitality operators. Mau bridges traditional regional history with modern learning, giving visitors deep historical insights into the Bundelkhand region.
Khamariya integrates rich cultural traditions with structured Social welfare programs designed to support vulnerable households. The village preserves centuries-old folk traditions, music, and local art forms. By offering platforms for local performers and artisans during village gatherings, Khamariya provides tourists with unforgettable, authentic cultural performances while uplifting underprivileged families financially.
Banadi is being developed into a prime village homestay destination. Local families open their traditional homes to travelers, offering home-cooked regional meals and immersion into daily rural life. This direct hospitality model generates sustainable income for households, preserves ancestral architecture, and fosters meaningful cultural exchanges between visitors and village hosts.
Rasin stands out for its natural beauty, water bodies, and historical charm. Developed as a sustainable eco-tourism village, Rasin promotes low-impact travel, nature walks, and birdwatching. The local community manages eco-friendly visitor facilities, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking peace away from commercialized urban spots.
Famous for its spiritual heritage, ancient caves, and connection to the Ramayana trail, Rishiyan offers a unique blend of pilgrimage and adventure tourism. The village focuses on youth skill development and heritage preservation, guiding spiritual travelers through forest trails and ancient shrines while keeping sacred landscapes protected and clean.
Bagrehi focuses on heritage walks, traditional pottery, and agricultural tourism. Through active community participation, visitors can explore organic farming techniques, participate in pottery workshops, and purchase traditional village crafts directly from local creators. This direct interaction helps maintain ancient rural skills while boosting the local village economy.
To develop Chitrakoot as a sustainable rural tourism hub by promoting local culture, creating livelihood opportunities, and offering authentic village experiences.
Your generous contribution can help transform the lives of rural families in Chitrakoot by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through tourism. Every donation supports local guides, women self-help groups, artisans, storytellers, cultural performers, and homestay families who are working to preserve the rich heritage and traditions of this sacred land.
